Meaning
The simple existence of this fact demonstrates something.
Primary Function
evidential emphasis opener
Communicative Purpose
argues that a single fact is sufficient proof
Pattern
The mere fact that; shows
Core Structure
The mere fact that; shows
Função primária
evidential emphasis opener
Propósito comunicativo
argues that a single fact is sufficient proof
Situações de gatilho
debates, persuasive writing, legal reasoning
Contextos
academic, professional, legal
Padrão
The mere fact that; shows
Estrutura central
The mere fact that; shows
Slots de substituição
"mere" → "simple," "very"; "shows" → "demonstrates," "proves," "highlights"
Colocados típicos
- shows that
- proves that
- tells us
Substituições comuns
- The fact alone that
- Just the fact that
- Even the fact that
Erros comuns
Using "show" without an object (e.g., "The mere fact shows" should be "The mere fact shows X")
Similar / contraste
The fact in itself
Interferências
L2 learners may misuse 'mere' as a negation rather than emphasizing singular importance
Família do chunk
- emphasising conclusive evidence openers
Nuance
conveys persuasive authority by highlighting that one piece of evidence suffices to support the claim
Efeito pragmático
draws attention to key evidence and signals confidence in the argument
Dica de memória
mere fact = fact alone is enough
Nota
The chunk emphasizes the significance of a single fact as sufficient evidence to support a conclusion. It is commonly used in formal contexts to argue persuasively.
Upgrade path
from "The fact that" → "The very fact that" → "The mere fact that"
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